Join the race from Missouri, across the plains and mountains to California and back again as brave Pony Express riders and their supporters along the route work to get mail across country in just ten days. It is an outstanding task in the years 1860 to 1861, and only a few are up to the job. Faced with challenges of terrain, weather, hostile natives, sickness, and more, can these adventurous pioneers hold fast, and can they also find lasting love in the midst of daily trials?

A Place to Belong by Barbara Tifft Blakey An Express rider promises to help fulfill Abigail’s dream to return to her childhood home. Jacob doesn’t trust him, but what other option does she have?

An Unlikely Hero by Mary Davis BethAnn along with her little sister are running from a mistake and find security at a Pony Express station and love in the quiet affection of a shy Pony Express rider.

The Gambler’s Daughter by Darlene Franklin Gambling debts drive Caroline Adams’s estranged father away from the Chelan Swing Station before her arrival. Can his replacement conquer the temptations goading them both to prove himself worthy of Caroline’s love?

Her Lonely Heart by Cynthia Hickey Widow Sadie Mathewson wants to find love again. But when an injured pony express rider shows up at her station, love finds her in an unexpected way.

My Dear Adora by Maureen Lang Chip Nolan must dispatch the letters his brother can’t after being left for dead on the Pony Express trail. One letter stands out, addressed to “My Dear Adora”— stirring Chip’s heart before he even meets its recipient.

Ride into My Heart by Debby Lee Kimimela works at a Pony Express station where she struggles to cope with the death of her sister. When she’s kidnapped by gun smugglers, can her friend, Pony Express rider Gabe, rescue her in time?

Echoes of the Heart by Donna Schlachter A mail order bride. A crippled stationmaster. No way out for either of them—except with each other. Can they surrender their hearts and find true love?

Abundance of the Heart by Connie Stevens Unfulfilled goals haunt Fletcher and Mercy at a remote Nebraska outpost, but unexpected circumstances may offer a last-chance opportunity to pursue the dream of riding for the Pony Express.

Embattled Hearts by Pegg Thomas Alannah Fagan escaped from a battle she wouldn’t survive. Stewart McCann left behind a battle he couldn’t face. Thrown together at Horseshoe Station, can they find something worth fighting for?

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Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Ten days for cross-country mail delivery is unheard of in 1860, but brave riders of the Pony Express and their supporters along the route set out to make it happen. Will nine couples also be able to form faithful love in the midst of daily challenges that jeopardize their success?

About the Author

Barbara Tifft Blakey lives in the Pacific Northwest on five wooded acres with Terry, her husband of forty-plus years. She is best known for her award-winning, literature-inspired, language arts program, Total Language Plus, which she created over twenty years ago, and is used by thousands of homeschoolers. Barbara teaches Sunday school and enjoys speaking on various topics to Christian women’s groups. She and her husband have four grown children and five grandchildren. She enjoys camping at the ocean and is an avid soccer fan. During the day-light challenged winter months, she reads, crochets, bakes, and plots her next novel.

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I chose to read this collection, because I like romance stories and I've always been fascinated by the Pony Express. So, it was a win-win situation. Some of the authors were already my favorites, and I found some new ones to follow.1) "A Place to Belong" by Barbara Tifft Blakey Abigail is a disabled orphan who feels like she's a burden to her uncle. Jacob is the hired hand who admires her but thinks God has a plan for him that is not in a Pony Express Station. Will he realize His true plan?

2) "An Unlikely Hero"- by Mary Davis Beth Ann and her sister are escaping from a horrible predicament. Hiding in a Stagecoach stop seems like a perfect solution. Fox is a puny Pony Express rider who has low self esteem. This is a great story of a man who went from "zero to hero".

3) "The Gambler's Daughter" by Darlene Franklin Caroline Adams arrives at a Pony Express Relay Station hoping to reunite with her estranged father but finds her father skipped out. Martin has his own secrets. The story was a little flat. The Christmas background was nice, though.

4) "Her Lonely Heart" by Cynthia Hickey I try to read any historical novels by Ms. Hickey. This one did not disappoint. Sadie is a widow who runs the Cottonwood Relay Station after her husband died. Dr. Luke Stetson (yes, like the hat) chases after his younger wanderlust brother who wants to be a Pony Express rider. Will he heal her lonely heart?

5) "My Dear Adora" by Maureen Lang This is a different twist on the Pony Express theme. Chip has been reuniting undelivered letters with recipients after his brother was attacked and his mochila was compromised. Adora was accused of improper conduct as a teacher. A nice, sweet story.

6) " Ride Into My Heart" by Debby Lee Kimimela is a half-Sioux Pony Express Station worker in Utah Territory. She and half-Cherokee Gabe has difficulties living between two cultures, accepted in neither world. This one reads like a western with lots of action.

7) "Echoes of the Heart" by Donna Schlachter Catherine Malloy arrives at Hollenberg Station hoping for a mail-order marriage to Benjamin to help her escape the secrets she carries. There were a lot of misunderstandings (i.e. one or the other catch the end of the other's conversation). A fulfilling story about accepting people's shortcomings.

8) "Abundance of the Heart" by Connie Stevens I always enjoy Ms Stevens stories. Mercy is a true horse whisperer. When she sees mistreated horses at Fletcher's Pony Express Station, she insists on staying to help. Can her kindness keep Fletcher from leaving?

9) "Embattled Hearts" by Pegg Thomas This one was my favorite. It's a great story of overcoming adversity and keeping faith. Alannah has been facing abuse and threats from her stepfamily since her mother died. Running away with her brother is her only hope. Stewart is a stationmaster who feels no purpose. They both face constant threat from her stepfamily. I really enjoyed this one.

All of the stories take place towards the end of Pony Express's demise. It is obvious historical research was done. Romance, history, and faith make for a great collection. I highly recommend it!

I've been enjoying this collection. Not quite finished yet, but have found the stories entertaining and I've learned so much about the history of the Pony Express. The authors do a great job of storytelling and I'm looking forward to finishing it. LOVE the cover!

Really enjoyed reading this book. I could not put the book down once I started and stayed up until I was done. Details on the Pony Express were real, interesting and I enjoyed learning about this time in history. I will definitely be reading this book again. Stories are very good.